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.Follow up after sufficient time (he recommends 10 weeks for a monthly but less for a weekly).Page 503Use special mail and delivery services if time is crucial or if safety of materials is in doubt.Don't:Call or write to see if materials were received.Use old mailing materials or oddÂsize materials.Fold materials.Staple artwork.Send rare copies that cannot be replaced.Send negatives without duplicates on file.Tracking your SubmissionsMost writers have a system for keeping track of their submissions.As you get more and more into your freelance writing, you will have a growing list of pending submissions in the marketplace at one time.You need to become organized to track these through the lengthy process of receipt, review, decision, publication scheduling, payment, and even receipt of tearsheets or copies of the articles.A simple chart permits such an effort.You can easily keep your records in a word processor file or on a hard copy chart made with a typewriter and ruler.Snedaker (1998, personal communication) charts the following items on a sheet for every single article—she can list up to 14 article submissions on one page—she submits: 1.The market (note overlapping readerships)2.Name of the editor3.Date the query was sent4.The reply given to the query5.The submission date6.Acceptance or rejection decision7.Photographs or other graphics submitted8.Publication date9.Payments received (dates and amounts)10.Tearsheet or clipping received11.Photos returnedPage 504Another way to organize such information is to keep separate file folders for correspondence and other documents generated with a submission.The master guide can be an index of the folders, of course, and make finding information easier if needed at a moment's notice (such as an unexpected telephone call from an editor).Working on Assignments with EditorsEvery writer, whether he or she is a staff writer or freelancer, must work with an editor at some point in the writing and publishing process.The relationship is very close at some publications.At others, it seems nonexistent.Most editors are extremely helpful and can even teach their writers new tricks in the process of working with them.They are often willing to spend some time with you and give more precise direction on an assignment.They can communicate what they want and do it in an organized manner.Some editors are impossible to work with, on the other hand.These misguided souls are capable of losing manuscripts, failing to issue contracts, forgetting to pay writers, denying payment for legitimate expenses, reneging on promises, and even introducing errors into articles during the editing process.Some have less personal integrity, too.This means some editors steal ideas, change their minds about accepting and using a manuscript, and even accept a manuscript, pay for it, and then never publish it.Freelance writer and editor Grossman advocates respect for the responsibilities of editors and a professional attitude: I think the main thing with editors is to remember that they're busy people, and that they and you are, or should be, professionals.Be honest: Don't say you can do things if you can't, because it will only lead to more problems later.Make your deadlines; don't take their comments personally; don't expect them to do stuff to bolster your confidence—you'll have to do that yourself.(1998, personal communication)Grossman also suggests that you learn early when to give up your "hold" on a manuscript.It is a mistake to try to work it through the editorial system unless you are specifically asked to assist:My personal rule is that when the copy leaves my hands I'm finished with it unless the editor asks for a rewrite.I don't get involved with what the copy editors change, or the headlines, or the choice of pictures.I may request things.I often am asked toPage 505supply pictures, either my own or other people's—but once I've handed the stuff over, my job is finished, and it's important to me not to try to do other people's work (or I'll have temper tantrums).Relations with editors can become strained, but you cannot let it get to you, Grossman tells beginners: However badly an editor treats you—and, as one friend of mine said, "Sooner or later you will come across an editor who doesn't care about you"—it's better not to pick fights with him/her.If there is a disagreement, handle it in a businessÂlike manner; decide what's important to you and ask for it, firmly, but politely.That junior prick that just shafted you is nonetheless in a position to badmouth you all over the profession.Most editors want to behave decently, in any case.New York freelance writer Steele, who worked as editor of a small newspaper before turning fullÂtime to writing, describes the writerÂeditor relationship from his perspective
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